The Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame is now ready for the possible detention of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, according to Spokesperson Chief Supt. Benigno Durana.
“Alam niyo napaka-sipag at snappy iyong ating camp commander, si General Philipps, I’m sure he is always ready, depende sa korte kung sino man ang i-commit dyan sa Custodial Center,” Durana told reporters on Wednesday.
(You know, our camp commander, Chief Supt. Philip Gil Philipps, is very diligent and snappy. I’m sure he is ready whoever is sent there at the Custodial Center.)
Durana, however, did not confirm if Trillanes would indeed be placed under PNP’s custody. But he gave assurances that they are ready to implement court orders, depending on the availability of the cells at the Custodial Center.
“Hindi rin kami maka-ayaw kung iyan ay kautusan ng korte (We cannot say no to court orders), so we need to adjust depending on the availability, the space for this detainee. But from the last time I’ve heard from General Philipps, he is ready,” he added.
The Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 150 released on Tuesday an arrest order against Trillanes for rebellion in relation to the 2007 Manila Peninsula siege.
READ: Arrest Trillanes – Makati court
The senator surrendered to police personnel led by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Director Guillermo Eleazar. He posted a P200,000 bail and went back to the Senate hours later.
READ: Trillanes yields to police
READ: Trillanes back at Senate after posting P200,000 bail
However, his pending coup d’etat cases before the Makati RTC Branch 148 might lead to another arrest — non-bailable this time — if the evidence is deemed strong.
The PNP has deferred accepting additional detainees at the Custodial Center in the past due to the high expenses required to safeguard VIPs. One such instance was the proposal to place Customs fixer Mark Taguba under their supervision.
READ: Detaining Taguba at Custodial Center ‘too expensive’ – PNP
Among those currently detained at the Custodial Center in Camp Crame are incumbent Senator Leila de Lima and former Senator Bong Revilla. Former Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Jinggoy Estrada, co-accused in the pork barrel scam, also occupied the area before they were granted bail. /ee